The US Congress committee probing US Capitol Hill violence has voted to subpoena former US president Donald Trump. A subpoena forces a person to remain present before competent authority to answer questions.
“This committee will demand a full accounting to every American person of the events of January 6,” said Bennie Thompson, the chairman of the investigating House Committee.
“So it is our obligation to seek Donald Trump’s testimony.”
The deadly US Capitol riots erupted on January 6, 2021 when Trump supporters attacked US Congress at a time when lawmakers were certifying current US President Joe Biden’s electoral victory.
Before the riots, Trump had addressed his supporters in a rally and had said that he will “march with” them. Eventually Trump did not take part.
However, the unprecedented attack on US Capitol building led to evacuation of lawmakers. The security personnel were unable to control the crowds and in some instances, even had to draw our guns to deter the rampaging mob.
In what was expected to be its final hearing before the midterm elections, the House panel of seven Democrats and two Republicans agreed unanimously to compel Trump’s appearance before investigators.
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“We need to be fair and thorough and gain a full context for the evidence we’ve obtained. But the need for this committee to hear from Donald Trump goes beyond our fact-finding,” said Bennie Thompson, the chairman of the committee.
“This is a question about accountability to the American people. He must be accountable. He is required to answer for his actions.”
Subpoenas from the panel have proved difficult to enforce, with former White House aide Steve Bannon the only target convicted of contempt of Congress for refusing to comply.
(With inputs from agencies)
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